Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Wow. I love fro yo and gelato and all the fancy schmancy dessert options out there, but there is something to be said about old school fresh ice cream. The Franklin Fountain is an authentic ice cream parlor that embodies the exact characteristics of any 20th century establishment. From the tin accents on the ceiling, to the hairnets on the help.

Ice cream flavors are relatively standard, I tried the rum raisin, a childhood favorite and maple walnut which tasted just like creamy maple candy. The hot fudge was so decadent I bought my own jar for sundaes at home. ($9) Which I might add is almost gone already and it's been three days. Only shortcoming that is not quite articulated until you reach the register is that they are a "cash only" establishment. I should have assumed that...with it being a storefront circa 1908. So, my ice cream had to be put on hold after already being scooped and Andrea and I had to make the trek to the nearest bar for a cash withdrawal. The extra steps were well worth it.

Also worth noting-they serve their to-go ice cream in an adorable carton a la chinese food with an available closure in case you aren't able to finish it all..something I didn't have any trouble with. This is a MUST visit place in Old City, Philadelphia. You must must must go.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Baltimore is okay but it will never be Takoma Park. Historic old town and the Sunday Farmer's Market will always hold a special place in my heart. Especially when followed by brunch at Mark's Kitchen, swings at the park and some shade under the gazebo. I am so lucky to have grown up here! I miss you, thank goodness your only right down 95.

Monday, June 15, 2009

So in fact I did attend Learn to Row Day in Middle Branch Park hosted by the Baltimore Rowing Club a week ago. Sorry to all my loyal readers (mom and dad) that it has taken me forever to update this thing but real life was getting in the way of my blogging habits- pitiful excuse, I know. It won't happen again.

The rowing event two Saturday's ago officially started at 9AM, Britta and I waltzed into the boathouse area a little after 10 and were told our group would begin in 45 minutes to an hour. Ugh. Ok, so we had to amuse ourselves for a while and decided to mosey over to the Gwynn Falls informational area who were soliciting volunteers for National Trails Day, which was that day. Groups of volunteers were all over cleaning up, getting dirty and improving the trails. Britta and I just watched. Gwynn Falls Trails are actually pretty neat and span pretty much all of Baltimore in some capacity. If I were so inclined to ride a bike, I might do so on this trail.Here's a completely illegibale picture of the Gwynn Falls Trail map. I would advise just visiting the PDF link since this gives you no idea what you are looking at.

Anyway, back to rowing. After killing an hour, our group was on deck. I could already tell this wouldn't exactly be the most stimulating experience as the brief hands-on component followed approximately 30 minutes filled with a boat house tour, informational safety video, and erg machine overview. Eventually we made it out onto the Patapsco and that part was most definitely the highlight; except for the fact that it is extremely difficult to get a group of novice rowers to follow directions and row in unison. Oh well, at least we tried.

So I can now check this off my list of sports I thought I might be into...Next up- Female Boxing in Baltimore! Any ideas/locations?

Friday, June 05, 2009

In an effort to assuage my unbridled depression due to not being able to run, I plan on attending tomorrow's Learn to Row event hosted by the Baltimore Rowing Club in Middle Branch Park. I have become close friends with the erg machine at the local Merritt and can't wait to put those stationary skills to real use. Groups form every 30 minutes between 9am & 3pm; each equipped with a coach and very own coxswain. Any questions can be directed at learn@baltimorerowing.org

Also featured on the site-"June 6 is also National Trails Day and our friendsat the Gwynns Falls Trail are focusing their 2009Service Project on Middle Branch Park ,which runs through and around the boathouse.If you have some free time before or afteryour Learn to Row session , lend a hand!"

Might be fun to walk the trails after my rowing excursion...but it would be more fun to run them :(

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Saw the fam on Sunday and had an impromptu family brunch at Sticky Rice in DC. I had been raving incessantly about how awesome this place was; I had been to the original location in Richmond a couple years back and could not wait for them to open quasi-locally. And they did not disappoint.

I'm always down for an eclectic brunch selection and was definitely digging the unique dishes served. Huuuge plus- the full sushi and specials menu is available during brunch which means I could sample items from both! Also worth noting are the approachable price points, barely anything on the brunch menu even goes into the double digits!

The commute was pretty straightforward and parking was a breeze...mostly because of the locale. As we cruised further into NE past Union Station, H Street got a little..eh. Sticky is right before the newly developed Atlas District...gentrification at its finest.

Back to food and drink; ordered a breakfast cocktail- the Sakimosa. Lovely start to the meal :)

Settled on the green chili over rice; nice and light but not quite satisfying enough. Followed the small portion up with a crunchy specialty roll- "Snap, Crackle, Pop"- slightly spicy with salmon, cucumber, jalepenos, tobiko, and crunchy tempura flakes, my favorite! Presentation was darling- how cute is the wasabi mouse?! I melt for that kinda stuff. PS- Rooster sauce on the table for extra heat! Love!Dad got the Crunchy Shrimp and Grits (above), described as Tempura fried shrimp with togarashi (japanese pepper) served with cheddar cheese grits topped with chopped sausage, redand green peppers and onions. Didn't get to snag a bite; plate was cleaned pretty quickly ;)

Love the name of this dish- The Kevin Bacon and the clean presentation. Sister Chanty nibbled at this, but with my help she was able to join the clean plate club. Bacon was crispy, French toast was fluffy, "sweet potatoe home fries" weren't really home fry-ish but still worth it. The mandarins were a nice refreshing garnish.

Lil' Jackie demolished the Sticky Mess which was a perfect choice for kids. Eggs, bacon, potatoes, red onions, scallions all smothered with cheeeeeeeese. A 2 year olds dream.

Highly recommend this place not only for a brunch with little ones and family types but perhaps for a night out, for a lunch with friends, or for....just about anything. It's got just the right amount of kitsch with a touch of quirky but a hell of a lot of character. Not to mention I've heard they host a bangin karaoke on Tuesdays! More weekly events/specials found here.

I am...

Alert!

Almost a year ago, this Blog began as a place for me to document and share my explorations in the "Okay" town of Baltimore. With a move back to the Metropolitan area on the forefront, I will be shifting my commentary to more DC-centric content. Although I have grown to believe that Charm City is more than Okay, it is my hometown of DC and the surrounding areas that will really need to step up their game if they are going to even try and compete.